Controlling use of a communications device in accordance with motion of the device

ABSTRACT

A wireless communications device is controlled in accordance with motion thereof. If the device is determined to be in motion, such as in a vehicle, use of the device is restricted. Discrimination between vehicular motion and ambulatory motion is provided. While in motion, use of the device can be allowed under specific exception conditions. Exception conditions include the device being used by a passenger of a vehicle, a 911 call, or a call to a designated number. The ability to control the device in accordance with motion thereof can be remotely activated and deactivated, thus allowing, for example, parental control of a device belong to a child.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/642,919, filed Dec. 21, 2009. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/642,919 is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to controlling a communicationsdevice and more specifically relates to controlling a communicationsdevice in accordance with motion of the communications device.

BACKGROUND

Many wireless subscribers use their wireless devices in an unsafe mannerwhile operating a vehicle. The number of wireless handset devices in useis increasing at a rapid rate. This growth has led to the rise ofcareless and unsafe wireless driving practices. Far too many wirelesssubscribers utilize their wireless devices for voice calls while drivinga car, without an accompanying hands free headset. A similar rise inunsafe messaging, email, and browsing on wireless devices, while drivingis occurring.

SUMMARY

A communications device is controlled in accordance with motion thereof.If the communications device is determined to be in motion, use of thedevice is restricted. This mechanism provides proactive prevention anddeterrence of unsafe use of a communications device (e.g., wirelesscommunications device) while driving. Discrimination between vehicularmotion, motion of the communications device in the hand of a user, andambulatory motion is provided. A bypass mechanism is provided underexception conditions, such as an emergency call, a 911 call, and callsto designated numbers. Thus, while in motion, use of the device can beallowed under the specific exception conditions. The ability to controlthe device in accordance with motion thereof can be remotely activatedand deactivated, thus allowing, for example, parental control of adevice belong to a child. Parental control mechanisms can be remotelyadministered via a network, such as the Internet, or the like.Restricted use includes, for example, disabling a microphone and/orearpiece sound, warning tones, and/or outright prevention of call setup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example process for controlling acommunications device in accordance with motion of the communicationsdevice.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example communications device configuredto be controlled in accordance with motion of the communications device.

FIG. 3 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, in which acommunications device configured to be controlled in accordance withmotion thereof can be implemented.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example architecture of a typical GPRS network inwhich a communications device configured to be controlled in accordancewith motion thereof can be implemented.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram view of a GSM/GPRS/IPmultimedia network architecture within which a communications deviceconfigured to be controlled in accordance with motion thereof can beimplemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A determination as to whether a communications device (e.g., wirelesscommunications device such as a cellular phone or the like) is in motionis used to determine whether use of the communications device should beallowed or restricted. In an example embodiment, a combination of GlobalPositioning System (GPS) technology embedded into communications devicesin conjunction with hands free connection detecting technology isutilized to determine if a communications device in motion is utilizinga paired hands free apparatus, such as a headset or the like, whileengaged in a phone call. This motion sensing methodology also is used todetermine if a communications device in motion is attempting to transmitdata (e.g., network, Internet, Short Messaging System—SMS, MultimediaMessaging System—MMS). The additional hands free apparatus connectionstate information, however, is not determined for such datatransmissions.

Applications of controlling the use of a communications device inaccordance with motion of the communications device could result in, forexample, a reduction of the number of vehicular accidents associatedwith unsafe communications device use while operating a vehicle(automobile, bicycle, motorcycle, train, bus, airplane, etc.).Controlling the use of a communications device in accordance with motionof the communications device also can enable parents to provideadditional security features for their children. This can benon-invasive and can be turned off anytime an appropriate hands freeapparatus is connected to the communications device. The useracknowledged bypass technology can also provide value in determiningblame for accidents caused by unlawful use of wireless devices in statesthat mandate use hands free devices.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example process for controlling use of acommunications device in accordance with motion of the communicationsdevice. At step 12, it is determined if a communications device is inmotion. The communications device can be determined to be in motion viaany appropriate means. For example, a location of the communicationsdevice can be polled to determine if the communications device is inmotion. Thus, changes in the location, taken over a period of time,could indicate that the communications device is in motion. Changes inthe location are analyzed to ensure that the communications device is inmotion, such as in a vehicle in motion, rather than being moved by astationary, or ambulating user. Typically, mobile devices connected to acellular network are in constant communications with a switching center.Within a GSM network the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) is used forsuch communications. The BCCH is the downlink channel which containsspecific parameters such as the LAC (Location Area Code) and RAC(Routing Area Code), the MNC (Mobile Network Code) and BA (BCCHAllocation) list.

The BCCH detailed information includes Country code, Network code,Location area code, Cell identity, Adjacent cell list, BCCH location,and Minimum received signal strength, of which the Location area code,Cell identity, and the Adjacent cell list can be utilized to locate acommunications device. Within cellular systems, the base station or cellsites have a limited amount of channels for radio use. Spacing of sitesis in place in order to reuse the radio frequency spectrum. In suburbanareas, cell sites are commonly spaced 1-2 miles apart. In cities areasthe distance may be close as ¼-½ mile apart.

Mobile devices update location as they move from cell site to cell site.This information is homed at the mobile switch and may be accessed bythird party applications. It may be calculated based on timing that ifthe device is moving from one cell site to another quickly then thatdevice is moving in a vehicle.

The location of a communications device can be determined via anyappropriate means. For example, any of the following techniques,individually or in any combination can be used to determine location ofa communications device: the location of a cellular site in which acommunications device resides, GPS, A-GPS, triangulation, timedifference of arrival (TDOA), direction of arrival, angle of arrival(AOA), time of arrival (TOA), or absolute timing.

If it is determined (step 14) that the communications device is not inmotion, use of the communications device is allowed at step 28. If it isdetermined (step 14) that the communications device is in motion, thetype of use of the communications device is determined at step 16. Thetype of use can include, for example, sending a voice call, receiving avoice call, sending a text message, generating a text message, sending ashort messaging service (SMS) message, generating an SMS message,sending a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, or generating anMMS message.

If it is determined (step 18) that the type of call is other than voice,use of the communications device is restricted unless an exceptioncondition exists. Thus, at step 24, it is determined if an exceptioncondition exists. If it is determined that an exception condition exists(step 26), use of the communications device is allowed at step 28. If itis determined that an exception condition does not exist (step 26), useof the communications device is restricted at step 30. Exceptionconditions are conditions that would warrant use of the communicationsdevice, even though the communications device is in motion. For example,an exception condition can include an emergency, a call to 911, or thelike. In an example embodiment, the existence of an exception conditionis determined by a phone number that is being used. For example, a callto 911 would result in a determination that an exception conditionexists. In an example embodiment, phone numbers can be stored in thecommunications device and identified as phone numbers associated withexception conditions. For example, a phone number to a police station orfire department could be stored and identified as associated withexception condition. Thus, when such a number is dialed, use of thecommunications device is allowed. Another example of an exceptioncondition is when the communication device is being used by a passengerin a vehicle. In various embodiments, the passenger could enter anindication on her/his communications device that he/she is a passenger,a switch/detector could be placed under a seat and an indication thereofcould be sent to the communications network, or any combination thereof.Exception conditions could be dictated by local, state, and federal law.Also, service providers, or the like, could dictate acceptable deviceusage policies on devices they own and employees' use.

If it is determined (step 18) that the type of call is voice, it isdetermined, at step 20, if a hands free apparatus is being used with thecommunications device. Determining that the type of use is voiceincludes determining that voice call is attempting to be sent, a voicecall is attempting to be answered, a phone number is being entered, or acombination thereof. A hands free apparatus can include, for example, aheadset, the communications device in a speaker phone configuration, aremote microphone (e.g., microphone on a vehicle that is incommunication with the communications device), or the like. In anexample embodiment, it is determined that a hands free apparatus is inuse if auxiliary equipment (e.g., headset, remote microphone, etc.,) ispaired with the communications device. The auxiliary equipment can bepaired with the communications device via any appropriate means, such asBluetooth® for example. In another example embodiment, it is determinedthat a hands free apparatus is in use if the communications device is inspeaker phone configuration. If it is determined that a hands freeapparatus is in use (step 22), use of the communications device isallowed at step 28. If it is determined that a hands free apparatus isnot in use (step 22), use of the communications device is restrictedunless an exception condition exists. Thus, at step 24, it is determinedif an exception condition exists. If it is determined that an exceptioncondition exists (step 26), use of the communications device is allowedat step 28. If it is determined that an exception condition does notexist (step 26), use of the communications device is restricted at step30.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example communications device 32configured to be controlled in accordance with motion thereof. In anexample configuration, communications device 32 is a mobile wirelessdevice. The communications device 32 can comprise any appropriatedevice, examples of which include a portable computing device, such as alaptop, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a portable phone (e.g., acell phone or the like, a smart phone, a video phone), a portable emaildevice, a portable gaming device, a TV, a DVD player, portable mediaplayer, (e.g., a portable music player, such as an MP3 player, awalkman, etc.), a portable navigation device (e.g., GPS compatibledevice, A-GPS compatible device, etc.), or a combination thereof. Thecommunications device 32 can include devices that are not typicallythought of as portable, such as, for example, a navigation deviceinstalled in-vehicle, or the like. The mobile communications device 32can include non-conventional computing devices, such as, for example, amotor vehicle control (e.g., steering wheel), an in-dash vehicleintegrated GPS/wireless device, etc., or the like.

The communications device 32 can include any appropriate device,mechanism, software, and/or hardware for controlling the communicationsdevice 32 in accordance with motion thereof, as described herein. In anexample embodiment, the ability to control the communications device 32in accordance with motion thereof is a feature of the communicationsdevice 32 that can be turned on and off Thus, an owner/user of thecommunications device 32 can opt-in or opt-out of this capability. Theability to control the communications device 32 in accordance withmotion thereof can be remotely enabled or disabled. Thus, the ability toenabled or disabled control can be accomplished via a network (e.g.,Internet, wireless communication network, etc.). Thus, the ability tocontrol the communications device in accordance with motion thereof isremotely enableable and disableable.

In an example configuration, the communications device 32 comprises aprocessing portion 34, a memory portion 36, an input/output portion 38,and a user interface (UI) portion 40. It is emphasized that the blockdiagram depiction of communications device 32 is exemplary and notintended to imply a specific implementation and/or configuration. Forexample, in an example configuration, the communications device 32comprises a cellular phone and the processing portion 34 and/or thememory portion 36 are implemented, in part or in total, on a subscriberidentity module (SIM) of the mobile communications device 32. In anotherexample configuration, the communications device 32 comprises a laptopcomputer. The laptop computer can include a SIM, and various portions ofthe processing portion 34 and/or the memory portion 36 can beimplemented on the SIM, on the laptop other than the SIM, or anycombination thereof.

The processing portion 34, memory portion 36, and input/output portion38 are coupled together to allow communications therebetween. In variousembodiments, the input/output portion 38 comprises a receiver of thecommunications device 32, a transmitter of the communications device 32,or a combination thereof. The input/output portion 38 is capable ofreceiving and/or providing information pertaining to controlling thecommunications device 32 in accordance with motion thereof, as describedherein. For example, the input/output portion 38 is capable of receivingand/or sending a voice call, a text message, an SMS message, an MMSmessage, or the like, or any combination thereof, as described herein.In an example embodiment, the input/output portion 38 is capable ofreceiving and/or sending information to determine a location of thecommunications device 32. In an example configuration, the input\outputportion 38 comprises a GPS receiver. In various configurations, theinput/output portion 38 can receive and/or provide information via anyappropriate means, such as, for example, optical means (e.g., infrared),electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, etc.),acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone, ultrasonic receiver,ultrasonic transmitter), or a combination thereof.

The processing portion 34 is capable of performing functions pertainingto controlling the communications device 32 in accordance with motionthereof, as described herein. For example, the processing portion 34 iscapable of, allowing use of the communications device 32, restrictinguse of the communications device 32, determining if the communicationsdevice 32 is in motion, determining a type of use of the communicationsdevice 32, determining if a hands free apparatus is in use,determination if an exception condition exists, or any combinationthereof, as described herein.

In a basic configuration, the communications device 32 can include atleast one memory portion 36. The memory portion 36 can store anyinformation utilized in conjunction with controlling the communicationsdevice 32 in accordance with motion thereof, as described herein. Forexample, the memory portion 36 is capable of storing informationpertaining to location of a communications device 32, subscriber profileinformation, subscriber identification information, phone numbersassociated with an exception condition, information utilized todetermine if the communications device 32 is in motion, informationutilized to determine the type of use of the communications device 32,information utilized to determine if a hands free apparatus is in use,information utilized to determine if an exception condition exists,information utilized to allow use of the communications device 32,information utilized to restrict use of the communications device 32, orany combination thereof, as described herein. Depending upon the exactconfiguration and type of processor, the memory portion 36 can bevolatile (such as some types of RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flashmemory, etc.), or a combination thereof. The communications device 32can include additional storage (e.g., removable storage and/ornon-removable storage) including, but not limited to, tape, flashmemory, smart cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, universal serial bus (USB)compatible memory, or any other medium which can be used to storeinformation and which can be accessed by the mobile communicationsdevice 32.

The communications device 32 also can contain a UI portion 40 allowing auser to communicate with the communications device 32. The UI portion 40is capable of rendering any information utilized in conjunction withcontrolling the communications device 32 in accordance with motionthereof, as described herein. For example, the UI portion 40 can providemeans for entering text, entering a phone number, rendering text,rendering images, rendering multimedia, rendering sound, renderingvideo, or the like, as described herein. The UI portion 40 can providethe ability to control the communications device 32, via, for example,buttons, soft keys, voice actuated controls, a touch screen, movement ofthe mobile communications device 32, visual cues (e.g., moving a hand infront of a camera on the mobile communications device 32), or the like.The UI portion 40 can provide visual information (e.g., via a display),audio information (e.g., via speaker), mechanically (e.g., via avibrating mechanism), or a combination thereof. In variousconfigurations, the UI portion 40 can comprise a display, a touchscreen, a keyboard, an accelerometer, a motion detector, a speaker, amicrophone, a camera, a tilt sensor, or any combination thereof. The UIportion 40 can comprise means for inputting biometric information, suchas, for example, fingerprint information, retinal information, voiceinformation, and/or facial characteristic information.

The communications device 32 can be part of and/or in communication withvarious wireless communications networks. Some of which are describedbelow.

FIG. 3 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, in whichautomated communications device field testing, performance management,and resource allocation can be implemented. In the exemplarypacket-based mobile cellular network environment shown in FIG. 3, thereare a plurality of Base Station Subsystems (“BSS”) 300 (only one isshown), each of which comprises a Base Station Controller (“BSC”) 302serving a plurality of Base Transceiver Stations (“BTS”) such as BTSs304, 306, and 308. BTSs 304, 306, 308, etc. are the access points whereusers of packet-based mobile devices become connected to the wirelessnetwork. In exemplary fashion, the packet traffic originating from userdevices is transported via an over-the-air interface to a BTS 308, andfrom the BTS 308 to the BSC 302. Base station subsystems, such as BSS300, are a part of internal frame relay network 310 that can includeService GPRS Support Nodes (“SGSN”) such as SGSN 312 and 314. Each SGSNis connected to an internal packet network 320 through which a SGSN 312,314, etc. can route data packets to and from a plurality of gateway GPRSsupport nodes (GGSN) 322, 324, 326, etc. As illustrated, SGSN 314 andGGSNs 322, 324, and 326 are part of internal packet network 320. GatewayGPRS serving nodes 322, 324 and 326 mainly provide an interface toexternal Internet Protocol (“IP”) networks such as Public Land MobileNetwork (“PLMN”) 350, corporate intranets 340, or Fixed-End System(“FES”) or the public Internet 330. As illustrated, subscriber corporatenetwork 340 may be connected to GGSN 324 via firewall 332; and PLMN 350is connected to GGSN 324 via boarder gateway router 334. The RemoteAuthentication Dial-In User Service (“RADIUS”) server 342 may be usedfor caller authentication when a user of a mobile cellular device callscorporate network 340.

Generally, there can be a several cell sizes in a GSM network, referredto as macro, micro, pico, femto and umbrella cells. The coverage area ofeach cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can beregarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in amast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cellswhose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro-cells aretypically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having adiameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors.Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transportcapacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential, or smallbusiness environments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used tocover shadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coveragebetween those cells.

FIG. 4 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network in whichautomated communications device field testing, performance management,and resource allocation can be implemented. The architecture depicted inFIG. 4 is segmented into four groups: users 450, radio access network460, core network 470, and interconnect network 480. Users 450 comprisea plurality of end users. Note, device 412 is referred to as a mobilesubscriber in the description of network shown in FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, the device depicted as mobile subscriber 412 comprises acommunications device (e.g., communications device 32). Radio accessnetwork 460 comprises a plurality of base station subsystems such asBSSs 462, which include BTSs 464 and BSCs 466. Core network 470comprises a host of various network elements. As illustrated in FIG. 4,core network 470 may comprise Mobile Switching Center (“MSC”) 471,Service Control Point (“SCP”) 472, gateway MSC 473, SGSN 476, HomeLocation Register (“HLR”) 474, Authentication Center (“AuC”) 475, DomainName Server (“DNS”) 477, and GGSN 478. Interconnect network 480 alsocomprises a host of various networks and other network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, interconnect network 480 comprises PublicSwitched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 482, Fixed-End System (“FES”) orInternet 484, firewall 488, and Corporate Network 489.

A mobile switching center can be connected to a large number of basestation controllers. At MSC 471, for instance, depending on the type oftraffic, the traffic may be separated in that voice may be sent toPublic Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 482 through Gateway MSC(“GMSC”) 473, and/or data may be sent to SGSN 476, which then sends thedata traffic to GGSN 478 for further forwarding.

When MSC 471 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 466, it sendsa query to a database hosted by SCP 472. The SCP 472 processes therequest and issues a response to MSC 471 so that it may continue callprocessing as appropriate.

The HLR 474 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRSnetwork. HLR 474 stores static information about the subscribers such asthe International Mobile Subscriber Identity (“IMSI”), subscribedservices, and a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 474 alsostores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location ofthe mobile subscriber. Associated with HLR 474 is AuC 475. AuC 475 is adatabase that contains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers andincludes the associated keys for encryption to safeguard the user inputfor authentication.

In the following, depending on context, the term “mobile subscriber”sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portabledevice, such as a mobile device, used by an end user of the mobilecellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobiledevice, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which themobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In FIG. 4, whenmobile subscriber 412 initiates the attach process by turning on thenetwork capabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent bymobile subscriber 412 to SGSN 476. The SGSN 476 queries another SGSN, towhich mobile subscriber 412 was attached before, for the identity ofmobile subscriber 412. Upon receiving the identity of mobile subscriber412 from the other SGSN, SGSN 476 requests more information from mobilesubscriber 412. This information is used to authenticate mobilesubscriber 412 to SGSN 476 by HLR 474. Once verified, SGSN 476 sends alocation update to HLR 474 indicating the change of location to a newSGSN, in this case SGSN 476. HLR 474 notifies the old SGSN, to whichmobile subscriber 412 was attached before, to cancel the locationprocess for mobile subscriber 412. HLR 474 then notifies SGSN 476 thatthe location update has been performed. At this time, SGSN 476 sends anAttach Accept message to mobile subscriber 412, which in turn sends anAttach Complete message to SGSN 476.

After attaching itself with the network, mobile subscriber 412 then goesthrough the authentication process. In the authentication process, SGSN476 sends the authentication information to HLR 474, which sendsinformation back to SGSN 476 based on the user profile that was part ofthe user's initial setup. The SGSN 476 then sends a request forauthentication and ciphering to mobile subscriber 412. The mobilesubscriber 412 uses an algorithm to send the user identification (ID)and password to SGSN 476. The SGSN 476 uses the same algorithm andcompares the result. If a match occurs, SGSN 476 authenticates mobilesubscriber 412.

Next, the mobile subscriber 412 establishes a user session with thedestination network, corporate network 489, by going through a PacketData Protocol (“PDP”) activation process. Briefly, in the process,mobile subscriber 412 requests access to the Access Point Name (“APN”),for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 476 receives the activation request frommobile subscriber 412. SGSN 476 then initiates a Domain Name Service(“DNS”) query to learn which GGSN node has access to the UPS.com APN.The DNS query is sent to the DNS server within the core network 470,such as DNS 477, which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSN nodesin the core network 470. Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 478 canaccess the requested corporate network 489. The SGSN 476 then sends toGGSN 478 a Create Packet Data Protocol (“PDP”) Context Request messagethat contains necessary information. The GGSN 478 sends a Create PDPContext Response message to SGSN 476, which then sends an Activate PDPContext Accept message to mobile subscriber 412.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by mobile subscriber 412can then go through radio access network 460, core network 470, andinterconnect network 480, in a particular fixed-end system or Internet484 and firewall 488, to reach corporate network 489.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram view of a GSM/GPRS/IPmultimedia network architecture within which automated communicationsdevice field testing, performance management, and resource allocationcan be implemented. As illustrated, the architecture of FIG. 5 includesa GSM core network 501, a GPRS network 530 and an IP multimedia network538. The GSM core network 501 includes a Mobile Station (MS) 502, atleast one Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 504 and a Base StationController (BSC) 506. The MS 502 is physical equipment or MobileEquipment (ME), such as a mobile phone or a laptop computer that is usedby mobile subscribers, with a Subscriber identity Module (SIM) or aUniversal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). The SIM or UICC includes anInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a uniqueidentifier of a subscriber. The BTS 504 is physical equipment, such as aradio tower, that enables a radio interface to communicate with the MS.Each BTS may serve more than one MS. The BSC 506 manages radioresources, including the BTS. The BSC may be connected to several BTSs.The BSC and BTS components, in combination, are generally referred to asa base station (BSS) or radio access network (RAN) 503.

The GSM core network 501 also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)508, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 510, a Home LocationRegister (HLR) 512, Visitor Location Register (VLR) 514, anAuthentication Center (AuC) 518, and an Equipment Identity Register(EIR) 516. The MSC 508 performs a switching function for the network.The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration,authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC510 provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, suchas an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTNs) 520. Thus, the GMSC 510 provides interworkingfunctionality with external networks.

The HLR 512 is a database that contains administrative informationregarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSM network. TheHLR 512 also contains the current location of each MS. The VLR 514 is adatabase that contains selected administrative information from the HLR512. The VLR contains information necessary for call control andprovision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in ageographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR 512 and the VLR 514,together with the MSC 508, provide the call routing and roamingcapabilities of GSM. The AuC 516 provides the parameters needed forauthentication and encryption functions. Such parameters allowverification of a subscriber's identity. The EIR 518 storessecurity-sensitive information about the mobile equipment.

A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 509 allows one-to-one ShortMessage Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS 502. A PushProxy Gateway (PPG) 511 is used to “push” (i.e., send without asynchronous request) content to the MS 502. The PPG 511 acts as a proxybetween wired and wireless networks to facilitate pushing of data to theMS 502. A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol router 513 isprovided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages to cell broadcast messages.SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entitiessuch as short message service centers. The SMPP protocol is often usedto allow third parties, e.g., content suppliers such as newsorganizations, to submit bulk messages.

To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short messageservice (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate itscurrent location by performing a location update and IMSI attachprocedure. The MS 502 sends a location update including its currentlocation information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS 504 and the BSC 506.The location information is then sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR isupdated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. Thelocation update also is performed when the MS moves to a new locationarea. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to updatethe database as location updating events occur.

The GPRS network 530 is logically implemented on the GSM core networkarchitecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, aserving GPRS support node (SGSN) 532, a cell broadcast and a GatewayGPRS support node (GGSN) 534. The SGSN 532 is at the same hierarchicallevel as the MSC 508 in the GSM network. The SGSN controls theconnection between the GPRS network and the MS 502. The SGSN also keepstrack of individual MS's locations and security functions and accesscontrols.

A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 14 communicates cell broadcast messagesthat are typically delivered to multiple users in a specified area. CellBroadcast is one-to-many geographically focused service. It enablesmessages to be communicated to multiple mobile phone customers who arelocated within a given part of its network coverage area at the time themessage is broadcast.

The GGSN 534 provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a publicpacket network (PDN) or other IP networks 536. That is, the GGSNprovides interworking functionality with external networks, and sets upa logical link to the MS through the SGSN. When packet-switched dataleaves the GPRS network, it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network536, such as an X.25 network or the Internet. In order to access GPRSservices, the MS first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performingan attach procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP)context, thus activating a packet communication session between the MS,the SGSN, and the GGSN.

In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used inparallel. The MS can operate in one of three classes: class A, class B,and class C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRSservices and GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supportssimultaneous operation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example,class A mobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data callsat the same time.

A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSMservices simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not supportsimultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, aclass B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time.

A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSMservices at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRSservices and GSM services is not possible with a class C MS.

A GPRS network 530 can be designed to operate in three network operationmodes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation mode of a GPRS networkis indicated by a parameter in system information messages transmittedwithin a cell. The system information messages dictates a MS where tolisten for paging messages and how to signal towards the network. Thenetwork operation mode represents the capabilities of the GPRS network.In a NOM1 network, a MS can receive pages from a circuit switched domain(voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS can suspend the datacall or take both simultaneously, depending on the ability of the MS. Ina NOM2 network, a MS may not receive pages from a circuit switcheddomain when engaged in a data call, since the MS is receiving data andis not listening to a paging channel. In a NOM3 network, a MS canmonitor pages for a circuit switched network while received data andvice versa.

The IP multimedia network 538 was introduced with 3GPP Release 5, andincludes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 540 to provide rich multimediaservices to end users. A representative set of the network entitieswithin the IMS 540 are a call/session control function (CSCF), a mediagateway control function (MGCF) 546, a media gateway (MGW) 548, and amaster subscriber database, called a home subscriber server (HSS) 550.The HSS 550 may be common to the GSM network 501, the GPRS network 530as well as the IP multimedia network 538.

The IP multimedia system 540 is built around the call/session controlfunction, of which there are three types: an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)543, a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 542, and a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 544. TheP-CSCF 542 is the MS's first point of contact with the IMS 540. TheP-CSCF 542 forwards session initiation protocol (SIP) messages receivedfrom the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of theMS. The P-CSCF 542 may also modify an outgoing request according to aset of rules defined by the network operator (for example, addressanalysis and potential modification).

The I-CSCF 543, forms an entrance to a home network and hides the innertopology of the home network from other networks and providesflexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF 543 may contact asubscriber location function (SLF) 545 to determine which HSS 550 to usefor the particular subscriber, if multiple HSS's 550 are present. TheS-CSCF 544 performs the session control services for the MS 502. Thisincludes routing originating sessions to external networks and routingterminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF 544 also decideswhether an application server (AS) 552 is required to receiveinformation on an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriateservice handling. This decision is based on information received fromthe HSS 550 (or other sources, such as an application server 552). TheAS 552 also communicates to a location server 556 (e.g., a GatewayMobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position (e.g.,latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS 502.

The HSS 550 contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which corenetwork node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supportssubscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networkswith more than one HSS 550, a subscriber location function providesinformation on the HSS 550 that contains the profile of a givensubscriber.

The MGCF 546 provides interworking functionality between SIP sessioncontrol signaling from the IMS 540 and ISUP/BICC call control signalingfrom the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the mediagateway (MGW) 548 that provides user-plane interworking functionality(e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW 548 alsocommunicates with other IP multimedia networks 554.

Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) capable mobile phones register with thewireless network when the phones are in a predefined area (e.g., jobsite, etc.). When the mobile phones leave the area, they register withthe network in their new location as being outside the predefined area.This registration, however, does not indicate the actual physicallocation of the mobile phones outside the pre-defined area.

While example embodiments of controlling a communications device inaccordance with motion thereof have been described in connection withvarious computing devices/processor, the underlying concepts can beapplied to any computing device, processor, or system capable ofcontrolling a communications device in accordance with motion thereof.The various techniques described herein can be implemented in connectionwith hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination ofboth. Thus, the methods and apparatuses for controlling a communicationsdevice in accordance with motion thereof, or certain aspects or portionsthereof, can take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodiedin tangible storage media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, harddrives, or any other machine-readable storage medium (computer-readablestorage medium), wherein, when the program code is loaded into andexecuted by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes anapparatus for controlling a communications device in accordance withmotion thereof. In the case of program code execution on programmablecomputers, the computing device will generally include a processor, astorage medium readable by the processor (including volatile andnon-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device,and at least one output device. The program(s) can be implemented inassembly or machine language, if desired. The language can be a compiledor interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

The methods and apparatuses for controlling a communications device inaccordance with motion thereof also can be practiced via communicationsembodied in the form of program code that is transmitted over sometransmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, throughfiber optics, or via any other form of transmission, wherein, when theprogram code is received and loaded into and executed by a machine, suchas an EPROM, a gate array, a programmable logic device (PLD), a clientcomputer, or the like, the machine becomes an apparatus for automatedcommunications device field testing, performance management, andresource allocation. When implemented on a general-purpose processor,the program code combines with the processor to provide a uniqueapparatus that operates to invoke the functionality controlling acommunications device in accordance with motion thereof Additionally,any storage techniques used in connection with controlling acommunications device in accordance with motion thereof can invariablybe a combination of hardware and software.

While controlling a communications device in accordance with motionthereof has been described in connection with the various embodiments ofthe various figures, it is to be understood that other similarembodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made tothe described embodiments for controlling a communications device inaccordance with motion thereof without deviating therefrom. For example,one skilled in the art will recognize that controlling a communicationsdevice in accordance with motion thereof as described in the presentapplication may apply to any environment, whether wired or wireless, andmay be applied to any number of such devices connected via acommunications network and interacting across the network. Therefore,controlling a communications device in accordance with motion thereofshould not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should beconstrued in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method comprising: determining that acommunications device is in motion; responsive to determining that thecommunications device is in motion: restricting use of thecommunications device by preventing text from being entered on thecommunications device; allowing a text message to be sent from thecommunications device; determining if the communications device is beingoperated utilizing one of a headset or a speakerphone; upon adetermination that the communications device is being operated utilizinga headset, allowing voice communications with the communications device;and upon a determination that the communications device is beingoperated utilizing a speakerphone, restricting use of the communicationdevice by preventing voice communications with the communicationsdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a global positioning system isutilized to determine that the communications device is in motion. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to determiningthat the communications device is in motion, further restricting use ofthe communications device by preventing a multimedia message from beingsent from the communications device.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: responsive to determining that the communications device isbeing operated utilizing a headset, allowing a connection to a networkfor establishing a voice call via the communications device.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein restricting use of the communications deviceis remotely enableable and disableable.
 6. An apparatus comprising: aprocessor; and memory coupled to the processor, the memory comprising atleast one executable instruction that when executed by the processorcauses the processor to effectuate operations comprising: determiningthat a communications device is in motion; responsive to determiningthat the communications device is in motion: restricting use of thecommunications device by preventing text from being entered on thecommunications device; allowing a text message to be sent from thecommunications device; determining if the communications device is beingoperated utilizing one of a headset or a speakerphone; upon adetermination that the communications device is being operated utilizinga headset, allowing voice communications with the communications device;and upon a determination that the communications device is beingoperated utilizing a speakerphone, restricting use of the communicationdevice by preventing voice communications with the communicationsdevice.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a global positioning systemis utilized to determine that the communications device is in motion. 8.The apparatus of claim 6, the operations further comprising: responsiveto determining that the communications device is in motion, furtherrestricting use of the communications device by preventing a multimediamessage from being sent from the communications device.
 9. The apparatusof claim 6, the operations further comprising: responsive to determiningthat the communications device is being operated utilizing a headset,allowing a connection to a network for establishing a voice call via thecommunications device.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein restrictinguse of the communications device is remotely enableable and disableable.11. A tangible processor-readable storage medium that is not a signalper se, the tangible processor readable storage medium comprisingexecutable instructions that when executed by a processor cause theprocessor to effectuate operations comprising: determining that acommunications device is in motion; responsive to determining that thecommunications device is in motion: restricting use of thecommunications device by preventing text from being entered on thecommunications device; allowing a text message to be sent from thecommunications device; determining if the communications device is beingoperated utilizing one of a headset or a speakerphone; upon adetermination that the communications device is being operated utilizinga headset, allowing voice communications with the communications device;and upon a determination that the communications device is beingoperated utilizing a speakerphone, restricting use of the communicationdevice by preventing voice communications with the communicationsdevice.
 12. The tangible processor-readable storage medium apparatus ofclaim 11, the operations further comprising: determining if an exceptioncondition exists, wherein the exception condition comprises at least oneof: use of the communications device constitutes emergency use; or a 911call is being made via the communications device; and upon adetermination that an exception condition exists, allowing unrestrictedcommunication with the communications device.
 13. The tangibleprocessor-readable storage medium of claim 11, the operations furthercomprising: responsive to determining that the communications device isbeing operated utilizing a headset, allowing a connection to a networkfor establishing a voice call via the communications device.
 14. Thetangible processor-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein a globalpositioning system is utilized to determine that the communicationsdevice is in motion.
 15. The tangible processor-readable storage mediumof claim 11, wherein restricting use of the communications device isremotely enableable and disableable.
 16. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining if an exception condition exists, wherein theexception condition comprises at least one of: use of the communicationsdevice constitutes emergency use; or a 911 call is being made via thecommunications device; and upon a determination that an exceptioncondition exists, allowing unrestricted communication with thecommunications device.
 17. The apparatus of claim 6, the operationsfurther comprising: determining if an exception condition exists,wherein the exception condition comprises at least one of: use of thecommunications device constitutes emergency use; or a 911 call is beingmade via the communications device; and upon a determination that anexception condition exists, allowing unrestricted communication with thecommunications device.